Around 20,000 people have been buried there since it was opened in 1913 and the cemetery was starting to run out of space.

Extension work started in July. It will be formally reopened by civic dignitaries, local funeral directors and members of the clergy soon.

The work means burials can continue at the 1.9 hectare site for at least another 30 years.

Before the work began, the borough council's bereavement services unit had asked cemetery users what they'd like to see there.

As a result, the scheme includes a new main entrance, a new road linking the new area with the existing cemetery, feature lighting and water services with ornate standpipes, landscaped features and boundary fencing to secure the site.

The new entrance off Rossmore Road East was built in response to people's concerns about the safety of the old en-trance off a busy roundabout junction.

Bereavement services manager Julie Proctor said: 'We wanted to provide a cemetery that offers a peaceful atmo-sphere for family and loved ones as well as being a site the community can take a pride in.'

Despite problems experienced by work-ers on the site, including damaged machinery, the work has been completed.

Miss Proctor added a surface water drainage system which has been designed to connect into drainage pipes being constructed by Bellway Homes on the north of the site, to help minimise water-logging.

When the cemetery pond was drained, 70 tonnes of soil were removed. They had hoped to reuse it on-site, but it was unsuitable so it was taken away.